Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Springfield, MO in 2026?

In Springfield, MO, the average babysitter earns about $16.20 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $648/week or $2,808/month. Most Springfield families pay somewhere in the $14–$21/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.20/hr · Springfield average

These numbers come from 385 live babysitter listings in Springfield on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$648
$2,808
$33,696

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What drives the price

Most Springfield families pay somewhere in the $14–$21/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience doesn't make a noticeable difference to babysitter rates in Springfield, MO. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $16.17/hour, and the most experienced (6-10 yrs) come in at a similar $16.95/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$16.20
2 kids~$17.20
3+ kids~$18.20+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$17.05/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$16.33/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$16.27/hr
Live-inSet by family$16.48/hr

Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.

Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears.The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

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How do Springfield babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Springfield runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring babysitters in Springfield, MO typically costs about 8% less than the Missouri average of $18/hour and 15% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Springfield, MO and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Springfield, MO
Springfield, MO$16/hr
Missouri$18/hr+8%
United States$19/hr+18%

Where Springfield, MO fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.20/hour in Springfield to $18.77/hour in Kansas City.

Below: how each compares to the Springfield, MO average of $16.20/hour — Springfield, MO is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Springfield, MO ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Springfield, MO
1Kansas City$18.77+16%
2St. Peters$18.66+15%
3Saint Charles$18.62+15%
4St. Louis$18.47+14%
5Wentzville$17.88+10%
6Lee's Summit$17.79+10%
7Independence$17.14+6%
8Columbia$16.63+3%
9Joplin$16.34+1%
Springfield$16.20
Most expensive nearby: Kansas City ($18.77) Least expensive nearby: Springfield ($16.20)

Tips to find a great babysitter without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best babysitters on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced babysitters with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most babysitters will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities.A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Springfield, MO

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with babysitters — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse babysitter profiles in Springfield, MO

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the babysitters whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a babysitter fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your babysitter

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available babysitters in Springfield, MO

385 active listings in Springfield

Aidyn S. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Aidyn

Springfield, MO
$15 - $18/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Aidyn. I'm 24 years old, and I am from Springfield, Missouri! I started working with kids when I was in middle school at my church. Throughout high school and college, I worked at the before- and after-school program at New Covenant Academy as well as a preschool here in town. I have always loved being able to foster environments for creativity, fun, adventure, and growth for children. I'd describe my personality as outgoing, reliable, and compassionate.

I'm looking for a job that has flexibility. Currently, I'm a full-time missionary with a college ministry here in Springfield, where I am blessed to be able to serve college students. I want to work about 15 to 20 hours to pick up some extra income so I can continue serving students at MSU.

I would love to connect if my availability works for your family!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Emma L. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Emma

Springfield, MO
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Emma Lawless, and I’m excited to introduce myself as a potential nanny for your family. I’m a caring, dependable, and patient person who genuinely enjoys working with children and creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for them. I have experience caring for children and understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and confident in the person they trust with their little ones. I’m responsible, attentive to each child’s individual needs, and always happy to help with activities, routines, meals, and keeping things organized throughout the day. I also have previous work experience in a pet boarding and grooming facility so I am great with all pets! I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and become someone you can truly rely on!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Taylor L. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Taylor

Springfield, MO
$17/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello there, my name is Taylor! I have always had a passion for helping kids learn and grow. I find it incredibly satisfying to see a kiddo turn into the person they're meant to be, and help them where I can along the way! I love art, travel, plants, and most of all: I love animals

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Abigail W. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Abigail

Springfield, MO
$17 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Abigail Wethey I am 24 years old and I have a 3 almost 4 year old daughter. I think I would make a good fit for nannying. I Love getting the one on one connection with little ones and getting to help parents out when needed!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kylie S. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Kylie

Springfield, MO
$15 - $30/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am currently pursuing my degree in elementary education. I have experience as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in special education. I am registered in both MACHS and FCSR. I have two daughters aged 8 and 5, they are neurodivergent which gives me extra experience. I would prefer the children coming to my home or allowing me to go with my kiddos, of course with parents viewing my home first. I do have cats and two dogs.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Juliet C. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Juliet

Springfield, MO
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Juliet! I just moved to Springfield from Texas, not too long ago. I’m trying to find where I fit in up here and I figured that i’d give babysitting a try! I am 22, my favorite color is grey(I know, boring), and I love listening to music! I do have two younger brothers that are back in texas. One is 20, the other is 15. I basically raised them myself, and i’ve been around plenty of kids before. I really hope you’ll consider me for your next pick! Thank you gor taking your time to read this!
Karina S. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Karina

Springfield, MO
$15.50/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Karina, and I am a 19-year-old Pre-Law Psychology major. I have extensive experience caring for children, as I have helped take care of my younger siblings since I was five years old. I am responsible, dependable, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with kids.
In addition to my personal childcare experience, I have also worked in a hospital setting where I cared for neonatal babies, children in the intensive care unit, and have worked with children with disabilities. These experiences have strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, pay close attention to children's needs, and provide compassionate, attentive care.
I can cook meals, help with light housekeeping, assist with homework, and provide a safe, positive environment for your children. I have my own reliable vehicle, making transportation easy if needed. I am organized, trustworthy, and committed to ensuring children and parents feel supported. I would love the opportunity to help care for your family!
Anna B. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Anna

Springfield, MO
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name Anna and I have around 4 years of childcare experience that ranges from ages 6-13! Also, I am an inspiring English educator.

Certification

CPR
Karlee S. - Seeking Work in Springfield

Nanny Karlee

Springfield, MO
$16 - $20/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Karlee, and I’m a responsible, caring, and energetic student with experience balancing school, sports, and work. I love being around kids and creating a fun, positive, and safe environment for them. I’m dependable, patient, and good at staying organized and handling busy situations calmly. Whether it’s helping with activities, keeping routines on track, or just being someone kids feel comfortable around, I always try to bring a kind and upbeat attitude. I’m looking forward to helping families however I can and being someone both parents and kids can trust!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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